A Level Spanish
Board: Edexcel
Specification: AS 8590 and A2 9590
Introduction
We teach the Edexcel Modern Foreign Languages specification, where teaching methods are common across all languages.
This is a topic based course. Work in class involves mainly listening and reading activities leading to oral discussion and role play.
Students are expected to take an active part in the lessons whether in pairs, group work or whole-class work. Students must be prepared to undertake additional reading and research in their own time.
By the end of the course you will be able to:
• understand authentic written and spoken Spanish
• discuss a wide variety of issues in Spanish
• speak and write Spanish with a high level of accuracy
• research and present important aspects of Spanish society
Course structure
AS
Listening & Writing (6811) Exam: short answer questions in Spanish & English based on recorder extract 1 hour
Reading & Writing (6812) Exam: questions in English and Spanish based on different texts + written response of 150 words 2 hours
Prepared Oral (6813) Presentation & discussion of an issue related to a Spanish speaking country based on personal research 10 mins
A2
Oral discussion (6814/2) Presentation and discussion of a standpoint related to a Spanish speaking country 15 mins
Coursework (6815/2) 2 pieces: 1 x 500 words and 1 x 1000 words
Listening, Reading & Writing (6816) Mixed skill comprehension paper including a short translation into Spanish and an essay of 250 words 2 hours
Course Content
1. Day-to-day matters
• food, diet, health
• transport, travel and tourism
• current affairs and media
2. Society
• relationships, family, generations, youth
• social issues, law and justice
• leisure and the arts
3. The Working World
• education, employment and training
• business and industry
• information technology
4. Environment and Citizenship
• energy, pollution and the environment
• politics and citizenship
• campaigning organisations and charities
5. The International Context
• customs, traditions, beliefs and religions
• the European Union
• world-wide problems
Am I suited?
You will be suited if you:
• enjoyed, and had a strong grasp of languages at GCSE
• are interested in Spain and Spanish-speaking cultures and societies
• are willing to develop your opinions on personal, national and international issues
• are committed to thorough learning of grammatical structures and a new vocabulary
Subject complements
Spanish has a wide range of subject links as you will study about life experiences in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries, including political, social and economic issues. Other languages will also complement Spanish, as many linguistic skills are transferable.
Where does it lead?
In today’s business environment, dominated by multinational companies, languages are very valuable for many areas of employment.